Nonprofit, Philanthropy, and Fundraising

Career Guide

Nonprofit, philanthropy, and fundraising is a very diverse and rewarding field. Organizations that are certified as nonprofits use any revenue they make beyond operating costs to help achieve their missions and goals (rather than distribute this revenue as a profit). Philanthropy and fundraising are both fields that work to develop funding and non-monetary benefits for organizations—such as nonprofits—that need budgetary support to fulfill their missions and goals.

Designing your major

Your major may be indirectly or directly related to your career choice, and it’s only one of many pieces to finding a good career fit. There are many majors that are related to nonprofit, philanthropy, and fundraising, including:

Learn about careers in the field

  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Campaign Manager
  • Social and Community Service Managers
  • Camp Director
  • Gift Director
  • Grant Writer
  • Director of Development
  • Community Health Director
  • Fundraiser
  • Community Organizer
  • Community Service Project Coordinator
  • Compliance Coordinator
  • Social and Human Service Assistant
  • Counselor
  • Director of Family Shelter
  • Grant Administrator
  • Grassroots Organizer
  • Lobbyist
  • Major Gift Director
  • Membership Assistant
  • Online Activist
  • Planning Manager
  • Policy Analyst
  • Program Coordinator
  • Recreational Therapy Director
  • Social Worker
  • Fundraising Managers
A screenshot of the My Next Move website

Ready for more specifics?

Search the job titles to learn more.

Explore careers

Learn through experience

Join a student organization

Student organizations can help us clarify our interests and build experience. Here are a few ideas of organizations in this area:

Find more organizations on BeInvolved

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering in the community has many benefits for the community and for your personal and professional development. How can you use your knowledge and skills to make a difference?

Find more volunteer opportunities

Keep exploring

Philanthropy Journal

The Philanthropy Journal’s mission is to serve as a platform for nonprofits and their supporters to be reflective, think critically, and share their stories in order to build a stronger, more courageous sector. Providing nonprofits a platform to tell their stories and valuable resources through our podcast, features, resources, nonprofit news and job listings.

The NonProfit Times

A flagship publication, celebrating 31 years, reaches more than 36,000 executives of the nonprofit community in print and digital format, with articles, reports, and job listings.

Society for Nonprofits

A leading resource for nonprofit professionals and has been helping nonprofit leaders increase their knowledge and grow the capacity of their organizations for more than 30 years with free resources, articles, and job listings.

There are many ways to explore careers, through research, gaining experience, and talking with other people. Your career coach is here to mentor you and help you find ways to explore that fit you best.